Mitch Walding

As the quarterback for his high school football team, Mitchell Walding didn't get many looks last summer or fall. Then he had a stress fracture in his right foot at the end of April, though he returned in mid-May when his team was in the playoffs. He has a lot of things that scouts like. With a 6-foot-4, 185-pound frame, Walding he's athletic and agile for his size, with fringy speed. While evaluators aren't convinced he will remain at shortstop long-term, he'll at least get a chance to stay there. He has average arm strength, and it could get better if teams can fix a hitch in his throwing motion. Walding is a good student with a lot of passion for the game. He hits from the left side and he has good bat speed, sound swing mechanics and a patient approach. He tracks the ball well, letting it travel deep, and is comfortable taking the ball the other way. He doesn't have a lot of power yet, but most scouts think it's in there. Walding could go in the fourth to sixth round and will spend this summer in the West Coast League. If he does not sign, he is committed to Oregon.